Since the program started two years ago, the Van Buren School District has collected more than 230 tons of paper, plastic and aluminum, all of which is taken to a GreenSource Recycling facility for processing, the story stated.

According to the story, the maintenance staff was honored with a plaque from John Pope, director of Keep Van Buren Beautiful, an organization that partnered with the district to implement their recycling program.

By participating in the recycling program, Tate Elementary School, which is striving to become a litter-free zone, will be eligible for some extra funding because of its efforts, the story noted.

Kathy Smith, Tate Elementary School counselor, said: "The students are the ones doing the investigations. They find the cause, they come up with possible solutions to combat litter."

The Van Buren School District hopes celebrating America Recycles Day on November 15 will encourage everyone to increase their recycling efforts year-round, the story added.